Wind, rain causing some coastal flooding in Delaware

High tides are expected to bring the biggest problems along Delaware’s coast as a slow moving storm brushes past the region.

 

With up to four inches of forecast through the weekend, Delaware could see minor to moderate flooding along with some beach erosion.  The remnants of Tropical Storm Karen could also deliver higher than normal tides, potentially flooding some roads along the state’s coast.

No evacuations have been ordered, but the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center is warning residents in communities along the Delaware Bay and Inland Bays that they may have to move to higher ground.  Those warnings go to residents in areas like Prime Hook, Broadkill Beach, Angola and Oak Orchard.

On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation closed Prime Hook Road due to high water, but the roadway was reopened on Thursday around 6:15 a.m.  DelDOT crews have been stationed their to monitor water levels.  High tide is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Other roads that have seen high water include O’Neal’s Road near Seaford.  DelDOT says there is water on the road, but it is still open.  In Kent County, Port Mahon Road near Little Creek Wildlife Area is closed due to flooding.  In New Castle County, Old Corbit Road near Old State Road east of Middletown is closed due to flooding.

As the storm continues to stall off the coast, DelDOT says the number of road closures due to flooding is likely to increase.